The Victorinox swiss army knife is simply the best pocket tool! (Edit: no one tool is everyone’s best)
The more I look at alternatives, the more I realize, nothing can give you this much functionality in this small a package, while being so high quality and reasonably priced. Popular (machine-assembled) versions regularly go for $25.
The one caveat is that it falls behind modern knives in terms of safety and ease for opening/closing. I’d love to see a next-gen SAK without nail nicks.
Have I got some news for you, because the Swiss army is now issuing knives more like this one and there’s some other similar variants
I haven’t actually used any of the new style SAKs, I’m sure they’re just fine though, I’ve never been burned by a Victorian product and I agree they’re probably the best pocket tools (I do personally tend to prefer Leatherman tools, but I consider them more of a belt tool so apples and oranges.)
@Fondots Yeah I was aware of the larger 111mm models - the one handed blade is great, but the size/weight is overkill for many people.
By no nail nicks, I mean *every* tool can be opened by people with long nails, no nails, or gloves. Accessibility!
I’m imagining something like the Leatherman Free architecture in a 91mm size Victorinox. The Free T4 is a great 91mm SAK alternative, similar size, but the scissors are terrible by comparison and the price is way higher, so they never took off.